Mcfarlane introuces "collector level" program

[Silent December]

Oh McFarlane you variant devil you.


"McFarlane Toys has consistently created highly detailed and sought after collectible sports figures for years. And starting with the new 2010 sports product, McFarlane Toys is adding an exciting new program with the sports collector in mind. The new Collector Level™ program is intended to give collectors more of what they want; limited edition, highly collectible figures included with each sports action figure assortment.

While any veteran SportsPicks collector will say we have always included "chase" or "variant" versions of existing figures before, the Collector Level™ program is intended to raise the bar.

"We've created this new program based on feedback we received from our fans over the years. The primary focus of this program is to create a line of collectibles that will excite you, the hard-core collector," said Todd McFarlane, McFarlane Toys CEO and self-professed "sports geek". "On top of this new program, we are also currently in development on new packaging for all upcoming SportsPicks lines: an all clamshell design. Starting with Cooperstown 7, all our 2010 lines will have new clamshell packaging. You ask for it, we will deliver it. We will continue to strive to bring you the best sports action figures possible. Thanks for all your support over the years."

Here are the things you need to know about the McFarlane Collector Level™.

What's the Collector Level™ program about?

We are expanding our current Classic Chase and Super Chase figure releases into a consistent marketing program by developing the Collector Level™. McFarlane Toys will produce special Level figures for the Collector Level™ program. There are six Levels in the program; Bronze, Silver, Gold, Premier, All-Star and MVP. Each Level matches to a limited production range. Nearly, every standard figure in a series will have an alternative figure; either a Collector Level™ or Classic Chase figure.

What's special about the Collector Level™ figure?

The Collector Level™ figures are limited in production. Each Collector Level™ figure will vary from the standard figure by having alternate uniforms, base variations, trophies, awards, accessories, possibly authentic player signatures, original or replica sports memorabilia or even pieces of actual uniforms or equipment. Each Level figure will be sequentially numbered on the base, includes the players' last name and the series name for authenticity. Each Level will have a production range minimum and maximum quantity matched to the specific Collector Level™.

How can Collectors identify the Collector Level™ figures?

Each package will have a Collector Level™ label on the front calling out the Collector Level™ figure available for that specific figure and a Collector Level™ chart on the back of the packaging. The chart will list the Levels and the Level "Look for Figure" produced in the series, along with the production range. The production range is set for each Level, but the actual quantity produced of a Level figure and what Level's will be used will vary from series to series.

Highlights of the McFarlane Collector Level™ Program:

* Collector Level™ figures are limited in production, sequentially numbered and may have features that distinguish them from standard figures. These figures will be more limited in production than Classic Chase figures.
* Every SportsPicks assortment case is guaranteed to receive a special Collector Level™ or Classic Chase figure.
* Special features incorporated in the Collector Level™ figures may include alternate uniforms, base variations, trophies, awards, accessories, possibly authentic player signatures, original or replica sports memorabilia or even pieces of actual uniforms or equipment.
* Collector Level™ figures will be randomly packed into unmarked assortment cases.
* A Collector Level™ Chart, the "treasure map," highlighting the Collector Level™ figures and production range, will be prominent on the back packaging.
* Front labels of the packaging will highlight the Collector Level™ figures available in the series."

 

[krewe555]

All mcfarlane really has to do IMO is just put articulation on their figures. There sculpting is outstanding and they are already rivaling the best 1/6 companies in that category

 

[Darklord Dave]

I hope this program tanks.

I guess they're trying to make collecting exciting with extremely rare chase figures - but that aspect of the hobby has always really turned me off.

 

[the angry orc]

I guess they're trying to make collecting exciting with extremely rare chase figures - but that aspect of the hobby has always really turned me off.

totally agree with that.

i was kind of excited when i first saw the announcement i thought it was going to be some kind of subscriber type program to help get some of their spawn or movie maniacs lines going (other than halo and sports)...but i have no desire to collect the sports stuff.

 

[King Darkness]

Is McFarlane even relevant anymore

 

[Batty]

I don't know, maybe the sports collectors like this kind of stuff. To me it sounds like a desperate attempt to make their products seem desirable.

 

[occulum]

are a bunch of SS collectors saying McFarlane shouldnt do Low ES figures?

 

[Batty]

are a bunch of SS collectors saying McFarlane shouldnt do Low ES figures?

Is the Collector Level program free? I checked over at the Spawn.com forum and all I could find was people talking about how much these figures will be worth on ebay.

 

[karamazov80]

Rare chases stink. . .looking at you, Medicom Kubricks

Is the Collector Level program free? I checked over at the Spawn.com forum and all I could find was people talking about how much these figures will be worth on ebay.

 

[lerath666]

whee.... more mcfailain sports crap.
whee... even RARE-ER chase figures.
whee... I gotta poop.

 

[Valfar]

I have very little interest in McFarlanes focus line(Halo) though i got first release Master Chief, Cortana and another one(forget the characters name)..actually McFarlanes main focus is Sports/for shame!..so, i will be picking up some of the new NHL Legends series coming with Lemieux and Gretzky, other then the odd NHL figure..i have no iterest in any of their products except!, if i see some 3-D posters on clearance i will get those though..they kick ass.

 

[TCM Hitchhiker]

McFarlane Toys have been dead to me for a long time now....

 

[Karnis]

Is McFarlane even relevant anymore

No. Nada. Negative.

 

[JacktheRipper]

I also thought this was going to be some sort of subscription or online order thing. These figures will never ever see a retail peg.

 

[cr`]

whee.... more mcfailain sports crap.
whee... even RARE-ER chase figures.
whee... I gotta poop.

my sentiment exactly.

there were ways for this company to remain cool and relevant. it could branch out into the high end market, and it could do articulated 12"(hottoys was still in its infancy then). but mcf chose to do cartoon series after cartoon series while abandoning the core spawn n movie maniacs lines. it self destruct in the most idiotic way possible.

 

[crystalbaud]

Sadly, it's been a long while since I've seen eye-popping McFarlane figures. Kinda lost interest when the sports figures flooded the shelves.

 

[playafree]

Mcfarlane pissed me off so bad about Sports Picks that i given up on buying anything NFL series anymore.. Crappy paint applications and not listening to the collectors when we asked for specific players to be made. using flat paint and not metallic on certain teams,etc.. I always saw reused poses with the same players.. I have so many of these sports picks that it takes up a quarter of my garage space..

 

[IKE-CON]

I don't know, maybe the sports collectors like this kind of stuff. To me it sounds like a desperate attempt to make their products seem desirable.

To little to late. Mcfarlane, at this point, can't save himself or the
company. They have not done anything meaningful or of quality since 2002.

I live by his main store here in Arizona. He has botched to many
licensed products. I really don't think they can make a comback
in any fashion of the word.

R.I.P. Todd
you're not coming back. Consumers don't want poor
quality crap that ends up in the dollar store.

 

[metaphorge]

It makes me sad to see how far this company's product has fallen, as Spawn Series 1 is what got me into collecting action figures as an adult. I still treasure a number of my McToys, especially a number of figures the Four Horsemen were largely responsible for, but it's been a very very long time since they've pumped out anything that particularly piqued my interest.

It's too bad too, because I'd have been really interested in a line of classic Spawn characters done with the articulation and detail of the Halo stuff.

 

[Sithlord1975]

Is McFarlane even relevant anymore

For young people just starting out (like I was with McFarlane), people who love sports, people without thousands of dollars to blow on huge scale statues, then yes McFarlane is still relevant.